Scholarship in Ornamental Horticulture

The Robert and Shirley Mangum Memorial Scholarship is now accepting applications from Montgomery County residents interested in pursuing studies and careers in the fields of ornamental horticulture, floriculture, greenhouse growing, interior landscaping and related studies.

In the 1950s the couple purchased Bell Flowers, a family business in Silver Spring, Maryland, by the late 1970s, it became one of the first in the country to successfully develop an interior landscape business.

In the mid-1980s, the Mangums started Bell Nursery, a greenhouse and ornamental crop growing operation based in Burtonsville, Maryland. The Mangum's businesses, Bell Flowers, Bell Nursery and Premier Plantscapes, continue to grow today, with the same dedication to quality and innovative plant products.

This educational scholarship was established in 2004 to honor Montgomery County residents Bob and Shirley Mangum, as Mr. Mangum was a pioneer in the business.

Once a year the Montgomery County Farm Bureau awards the $2,000 Mangum Memorial Scholarship to a country resident interested in pursuing an education and eventual career in the Maryland horticultural industry.

All county residents are eligible to apply, and should demonstrate character, scholarship and talent. Applicants should have previous coursework and experience to demonstrate an interest in the horticulture industry.

The applicant must have excellent references from employers, instructors, and/or industry contacts. Other requirements include an overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater in their current studies. The Scholarship can be used to attend any accredited two-year or four-year educational institution located within the United States.

The deadline to submit is Friday, April 26th. The recipient will be notified in May.

For more information about the scholarship, complete list of eligibility requirements, or to obtain an application, please visit mangumscholarship.com.

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